Question:

Attached you will find a picture of a crock that we have had floating around for a rather long time …. It is my hope that you may be able to tell me if it is an antique or not … if not, my husband wants to use it as a planter.

The dimensions are 15-3/4″ outside by 17″ high.  It appears to be about 20 gallon and I cannot find any stamp on it either side or bottom … the picture is all that I have to go on.  I am not even sure that it is a Red Wing or not.

Thank you for any information you may be able to provide.

Marlene

Answer:

Marlene, you have a North Star Stoneware Company 10 gallon primitive butterfly crock that was produced in Red Wing, MN.  The North Star Company when out of business somewhere around 1893 due to a depression.   It is a very desirable crock among the Red Wing collectors and if in perfect condition, can fetch anywhere between $800 & $1000. So tell your husband to go find another planter!!!!!!  Al Kohlman